Imagination tiles

ABSTRACT

Imagination Tiles is a multiuse play mat which can also be used as a building set. Many different shapes and different size padded mats can be provided. Connection straps having Velcro-like hooks attach to loop fabric located on the exterior of the play mats. Multiple Velcro-like hook straps can be attached at any location along the play mats in order to connect multiple play mats together in many different configurations. The play mat and Velcro-like hook straps can be used together to create a house, a boat, a castle, and many other creative structures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 62/536,405, filed Jul. 24, 2017 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of play surface devices and more specifically relates to a play surface arranged from padded tiles which may be reconfigured into a building set with attachable hook and loop or Velcro members.

2. Description of the Related Art

Children enjoy play areas in dwellings where they can play without damaging nearby items or themselves. Soft play mats are often used to protect flooring from damage and protect children from injuries. Interior play mats provide a space to promote child physical and mental development, but are not themselves used for creative play. As such, an improved play mat which may be more interactive and used for creative play for children is needed. Not only children, but also creative adults can make use of the Imagination Tiles to model different indoor or outdoor scenes.

Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. and Pub. Nos. 2009/0162579 to Rodrigue McDuff; U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,842 to Jon A. Glydon; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,364,769 to Jennifer Lynn Kosmo. This art is representative of connectable pad flooring devices. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, a soft play surface device for children should provide physical and mental stimulation for the developing child and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable play surface arranged from soft padded tiles which may be reconfigured into a building set with attachable hook and loop or Velcro members.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known art, the present invention provides for novel imagination tiles. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a play mat which may be used as a padded surface as well as a building set. Multiple different shaped tiles may be interconnected to create a play mat surface or may be deconstructed and used as toy blocks to create various items and shapes. Imagination Tiles may also serve as a modeling tool for adults.

The multiuse padded tiles of the present invention are composed of an interior pad having an exterior cover of a loop fabric material. Elongated connector members of a flexible material having hook material on each side are provided. The hook material of the connector members releasably connect with the loop fabric material of the padded tiles forming a hook and loop fastener arrangement. In this way the connector members are used to releasably attach the various padded tiles together in different configurations.

The padded tiles may be the same width and length as conventional flooring tile, just thicker and softer. The tiles are typically square, and up to, but not limited to, one inch in depth and the width and length are typically, but not limited to, twelve inches. Although typically square, the tiles are not limited to that shape and may be of any desired geometrical shape, such as rectangular, square, circular, and triangular, which will allow for an infinite number of color schemes and patterns. Using the connector members to attach adjacent peripheral edges of the padded tiles together one can have a versatile flooring that can make a child's play area soft and fun.

The connection members are useful for attaching multiple multiuse padded tiles in a plurality of different configurations, in order to function as a building set. A building set can include a house, a corner castle, a crawl tunnel, tables, chairs, furniture, a spaceship, a box with a hinged lid, and many other creative forms. The possibilities are literally endless. The Imagination Tiles are easy to put away when play time is over; just take the creations apart and place the tiles right back on the floor.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as imagination tiles for creative play. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, Imagination Tiles are constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a padded tile according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a connector member set on its edge with a detail of the hook material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3a shows a perspective view illustrating a pair of padded tiles in an unassembled configuration.

FIG. 3b depicts the pair of padded tiles of FIG. 3a in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 4a shows a set of padded tiles configured as a floor mat with the covering partially broken away to illustrate the enclosed interior padding.

FIG. 4b depicts the set of padded tiles of FIG. 4a reconfigured as an imaginative object.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the padded tiles configured as a spaceship.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the padded tiles configured as a table and chairs.

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of the padded tiles configured as a box with a hinged lid in a closed configuration.

FIG. 7b depicts the box of FIG. 7a with the hinged lid opened.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tile system arranged in a play room to have a corner castle and a crawl tunnel.

FIG. 9 illustrates the various patterns of which the padded tiles may be arranged.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tile system configured as a living room set.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to Imagination Tiles and more particularly to a play mat which may be used as a padded stand on surface as well as a building set as used to improve the mental and physical development of children or to serve as a modeling tool for adults.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIG. 1 a padded tile 2 of the tile system 1. Each padded tile 2 is comprised of an exterior cover 7 removably covering and enclosing an interior padding 6 (FIG. 4a ). The exterior cover 7 is formed from a loop material having a size and number of loops per square area configured to releasably connect with the hook material of a hook and loop fastener. The interior padding 6 may be constructed from materials that are soft but yet readily retain their shape. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, foam material, cotton material, and nylon material.

The padded tile 2 is defined by the shape of the interior padding 6. As shown in FIG. 1 the padded tile 2 is that of a generally squared shape having a length L, a width W, a height H. The padded tile 2 may have a length L of 12 inches and a width W of 12 inches such as in conventional flooring tile but with a larger height H up to 1 inch. The padded tiles 2 are of a uniform thickness forming a flat top surface 3 and a flat bottom surface 4 parallel to the flat top surface 3. The flat top surface 3 and the flat bottom surface 4 are circumscribed by a continuous peripheral edge surface 5 established by the height H. In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral edge surface 5 is a planar surface configured to accommodate a connector member 8 as will be further described. The shape of the padded tile 2 defined by the interior padding 6 is not limited to a squared shape but rather may be one of numerous geometrical shapes that also have a flat top surface 3 with an opposed flat bottom surface 4 circumscribed by a continuous peripheral edge surface 5.

As shown in FIG. 2 the tile system 1 incorporates the use of at least one connector member 8 for releasably fastening adjacent padded tiles 2 together. The connector member 8 is comprised of an elongated body 9 formed of a semi-rigid material flexible enough such that the elongated body 9 can be manipulated into different chosen shapes. The elongated body 9 defines a top surface 10 and a bottom surface 11 with the bottom surface 11 being opposite and parallel to the top surface 10. Each of the top surface 10 and the bottom surface 11 has disposed thereon a hook material 12 (detail FIG. 2) of a hook and loop fastener adapted to releasably connect with the loops of the loop material of cover 7.

Referring to FIG. 3a there is shown a square padded tile 2 a and a triangular padded tile 2 b in an unassembled state. A connector member 8 has been attached in the center of the square padded tile 2 a and the triangular padded tile 2 b with its peripheral edge surface 5 is aligned with the connector member 8.

FIG. 3b illustrates the triangular padded tile 2 b secured to the center of the square padded tile 2 a by the connector member 8 so as to be in an assembled configuration. The connector member 8 has a dimension which is generally equal to or less than the dimension of the peripheral edge surface 5 so that in the assembled configuration the connector member 8 is hidden from view adding to the aesthetics of the assembly.

FIG. 4a depicts a square padded tile 2 a, a triangular padded tile 2 b, and a rectangular padded tile 2 c each secured to one another at a respective adjacent peripheral edge surface 5 by the use of a connector member 8 so as to form a desired floor pattern 13. The covering of the square padded tile 2 a, the triangular padded tile 2 b, and the rectangular padded tile 2 c may be of different colors so as to create a unique color scheme and floor pattern 13.

FIG. 4b illustrates the versatility of the tile system 1 where the square padded tile 2 a, the triangular padded tile 2 b, and the rectangular padded tile 2 c of FIG. 4a have been rearranged so as to form an object 14. Each respective peripheral edge surface 5 of the triangular padded tile 2 b and the square padded tile 2 a adjacent to the surface of the rectangular padded tile 2 c are attached thereto by the use of a connector member 8.

Any number, shape, and color of padded tiles may be used to create various life size creations. FIG. 5 depicts an assembly where a series of square padded tiles 2 a, triangular padded tiles 2 b, and rectangular padded tiles 2 c are arranged so as to resemble a spaceship 15. Each respective peripheral edge surface 5 of a padded tile adjacent to an adjoining padded tile is attached thereto by the use of a connector member 8.

FIG. 6 depicts the use of square padded tiles 2 a and rectangular padded tiles 2 c arranged and assembled so as to form a table 16 a and a set of chairs 16 b. The table 16 a is formed by arranging a pair of square padded tiles 2 a vertically and placing a pair of rectangular padded tiles 2 c thereacross and fastening in place with the use of connector members 8 at adjacent peripheral edge surfaces 5. A series of square padded tiles 2 a are stacked upon each other and suitably attached to one another with the use of the connector members 8 so as to form the seat of the chair 16 b. A rectangular padded tile 2 c is leaned vertically adjacent to the stacked square padded tiles 2 a of the chair 16 b and fastened in place with the use of connector members 8 at adjacent peripheral edge surfaces 5 so as to form the back of the chair 16 b.

FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate the use of a series of square padded tiles 2 a arranged to form a box 17 having four sides, a bottom, and a lid 17 a. As in the above embodiments, each respective peripheral edge surface 5 of a padded tile adjacent to an adjoining padded tile is attached thereto by the use of a connector member 8. The lid 17 a of the box 17 is hinged to an adjacent padded tile by the use of a connector member 8 having a portion of its elongated body 9 attached to the lid 17 a and its remaining portion attached to the adjacent padded tile so as to form a hinge 18. A connector member 8 has its opposing distal ends placed on the lid 17 a a distance less than its overall length such that a loop is formed so as to facilitate grasping thus forming a handle 19.

FIG. 8 is a depiction of the tile system 1 arranged in a play room to have a corner castle 21 and a crawl tunnel 20. The corner castle 21 may be constructed from a series of padded tiles 2 which have been arranged vertically to form side walls hinged together using a connector member 8. The crawl tunnel 20 may be constructed from a series of padded tiles 2 arranged vertically to form sidewalls covered with a top wall.

FIG. 9 is illustrative of the various designs which are afforded by selecting covers 7 of different colors. The padded tiles 2 may be arranged so as to exhibit an indicia pattern 22 conveying a desired message. The padded tiles 2 may also be arranged so as to exhibit a superimposed box pattern 23 presenting a pleasing design. The functionality of the tile system 1 may be enhanced by arranging the padded tiles 2 such that a checkered pattern 24 is formed which can be useful for playing games.

FIG. 10 is a view of the tile system 1 configured as a living room set. As set forth above the padded tiles 2 may be suitably arranged to form a chair 16 b. A further enhancement may be provided by arranging a series of vertically oriented padded tiles 2 on each side of the chair seat to provide for the arm of an arm chair 27. The width of the seat may be lengthened so as to provide for a couch 25. A series of padded tiles 2 may be stacked upon each other with adjacent top and bottom surfaces attached together with the use of connector members 8 so as to form a coffee table 26 or a foot stool 28.

Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tile system comprising: a plurality of padded tiles, comprising: an interior padding; wherein said interior padding has a length, a width, a height, and a uniform thickness forming a flat top surface and flat bottom surface parallel to said flat top surface; and a cover; wherein said cover is adapted to removably cover and enclose said interior padding; and wherein said cover is formed from a loop material adapted to releasably connect with hook material of a hook and loop fastener; and at least one connector member comprising: an elongated body including: a top surface; wherein said top surface includes hook material of a hook and loop fastener adapted to releasably connect with said loop material of said cover of any one of said plurality of padded tiles; and a bottom surface; wherein said bottom surface is opposite and parallel to said top surface; and wherein said bottom surface includes hook material of a hook and loop fastener adapted to releasably connect with said loop material of said cover of any one of said plurality of padded tiles; and wherein said at least one connector member is adapted to releasably connect any two of said plurality of padded tiles in a plurality of different locations; and wherein a plurality of connector members can be used to releasably connect a plurality of said padded tiles in a plurality of different configurations to form any of a plurality of structures.
 2. The tile system of claim 1, wherein said elongated body of said connector member is formed from a semi-rigid material adapted such that said body member can be manipulated into different chosen shapes.
 3. The tile system of claim 1220, wherein one of said chosen shapes is an L-shape.
 4. The tile system of claim 2, wherein one of said chosen shapes forms a handle when attached to any one of said plurality of said padded tiles.
 5. The tile system of claim 1, wherein said interior padding is formed in a shape forming a rectangle volume.
 6. The tile system of claim 1, wherein said interior padding is formed in a shape forming a square volume.
 7. The tile system of claim 1, wherein said interior padding is formed in a shape forming a triangular volume.
 8. The tile system of claim 1, wherein said interior padding is formed in a shape forming a circular volume.
 9. The tile system of claim 1, wherein said interior padding is formed from a foam material.
 10. The tile system of claim 1, wherein said interior padding is formed from a cotton material.
 11. The tile system of claim 1, wherein said interior padding is formed from a nylon material.
 12. The tile system of claim 1, wherein said cover is formed from a fabric material.
 13. The tile system of claim 1, wherein said elongated body of said connector member is formed from a flexible material.
 14. The tile system of claim 13, wherein said connector member forms a movable connection between two connected said plurality of padded tiles. 